Page 2 - September-2026

to expect reverence and admiration from others and develops
a sense of püjya bhäva – the feeling that one is worthy of worship.
He imagines himself to be ‘Mr. I Know It All.’ Such arrogance
prevents him from listening to wise counsel.

Ravana in Ramacharitmanas is a striking example of this
malignant ego. Many sincere well-wishers advised him to return
Sita Mata to Shri Rama. Hanumanji, Vibhishana, Maricha, Angada,
his own wife Mandodari, Malyavan, and even his grandfather
implored him to reconsider. But Ravana was blinded by his ego.
He listened only to flatterers and sycophants, convinced that he
was perfect and supremely wise. Such an ego creates a centrifugal
force that pushes away even close friends and family, who
eventually distance themselves.

Another manifestation of the malignant ego is ignorance of
our true nature. The deep-seated conviction that ‘I am this body’

Tapovan Prasad 21 September 2026